I discovered photographer
Jordan Matter's "Dancers Among Us" photo series early last year, but yesterday (and into today) I found myself on his site and once again just mesmerized by this project. For those who are unfamiliar, Matter places professional dancers in everyday situations and captures some extraordinary moments. His inspiration for the series came after seeing the joy his son experienced from playing with his toys and being completely engrossed in a world that was invisible to his father's eyes.
"As we get older and wiser, what happens to this enthusiasm, this ability to be wholly present in the moment? Why are these pure moments of passion so often replaced by cynicism, boredom, and indifference?"
Matter asks. "As I played with my son, I thought about creating photographs that would show the world as if through the fantastical eyes of a child. The people in the images would be alive and in the moment, celebrating all aspects and emotions of everyday life."
"Asking dancers to embody these ideals makes perfect sense. Dancers are storytellers. They’re trained to personify passionate moments, their bodies imbued with a stunning combination of artistry and athleticism," he continues. "They create a fantasy world, offering us a deeper look into familiar settings. They bring to life what we feel but are unable to express physically."
What started in New York City in 2009 has now spread to other parts of the country as Matter tries to revive our emotions, passion, and a curiosity that'll lead us to embrace our surroundings with exuberance. (My Washington Heights peeps, do you recognize the scenery in the photo above?)
P.S. I think the
behind-the-scenes videos are just as interesting as the final results.
Here's hoping for a beautiful and passion-filled weekend!
Images: dancersamongus.com
